Tag: #deersymbolism

You won’t believe it! I barely believe it and I saw it! I was driving to the store on a familiar route on the highway. Off to the right is a big clearing where herds of deer are often seen grazing. I always enjoy seeing them when I drive by. Sure enough, on this drive, they were there. A big herd from about 10 – 15. Then I noticed something that was a little off. There was another animal grazing with the herd, right in the center of them all in fact. Most of it was white as snow and at first glance I thought maybe it was snow. Was it a horse? A goat? Holy Cannoli!! It was a white deer! I couldn’t believe it but it made more sense than a goat grazing with deer! I studied it as long as I could. I wanted to turn around so badly and get pictures but I was on the highway and had only my phone, which was at 4% battery. I was so upset that I couldn’t document such an amazing sight! I never in a million years thought I would see such a thing in the wild; I probably will never see another again for just as long! It was literally breath taking. I was in awe. The deer was not purely white though. It looked like someone had poured black paint on it’s head and back and it started to run down the sides. Not a brown, like the other deer, it was much darker. Everywhere else on the deer was totally white all the way down to it’s toes. This deer was truly Mother Earth’s canvas and she did a marvelous job!

I can’t be 100% sure but I think it was a buck. It is hard to make out antlers with the trees in the background but it looked like it had a rack, 4-point perhaps? I came home and drew a sketch of it as soon as I could. If I can’t have a photograph of him, then at least I have my drawing. This is exactly what he looked like (give or take the antlers).

Needless to say, I will be studying the symbolism behind white deer or white animals and see what I can find. I’ll share a post after the holidays with some information on that and maybe another drawing.

Have you ever seen a white deer before? Share your story in the comments below! I would love to hear it! I was ecstatic when I saw this guy! Thanks for stopping by.

This became one of those pieces that is better with color rather than black and white, in my opinion. It really pops with the color and it has the depth I was looking for. I was able to fix up the body, as well, and “neaten” up my tangles. I really enjoy using my prismacolor markers. I am finding myself wanting more colors to use. Maybe Santa will drop me off some. So what do Santa’s steeds have to teach us?

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Reindeer (Caribou) Symbolism

Reindeer symbolism was tricky to pinpoint. There are many creatures in the deer family, all sharing general qualities. If you would like to read some of those first you can check out my Deer Totem here. So what makes the reindeer special from all the rest besides being a part of Santa’s team?

The Innu, indigenous inhabitants of northeast Canada, tell a story about the Caribou Man. An Innu man fell in love with a Caribou woman and had turned into a Caribou himself. He was the protector of all the animals in the forest and gave permission for them to be hunted. The Innu made sure to show great respect towards Caribou Man. If proper hunting traditions were not followed, he would hide away the animals and create famine.

Reindeer migrate twice a year. They have a system to traveling and do it regularly. If you have come across a reindeer it may be wise for you to follow the same path. Travel somewhere to recharge your batteries. Take a trip to somewhere warmer and build up some fat for the winter, like the reindeer do. Don’t worry about putting on those winter pounds! Just tell everyone it’s part of nature!

For traveling long distances, reindeer have big sturdy hooves that keep them sure-footed on rocky, mountainous surfaces. They also act like a shovel for snow, as they can spread their toes and forage for food. They are resourceful creatures and know how to survive. They also have an increased amount of blood vessels in their nose that help keep them warm and also keep them from over heating. Because of the extra vessels pumping blood, they can actually become a red-nosed reindeer giving some truth to everyone’s favorite Christmas classic! These noses also warm the air they breath before it reaches their lungs. These amazing talents show us that we need to be resourceful. Reindeer are survivors and it’s time to ensure that we are too! Use what tools you have available and you will get by just fine.

One last thing the reindeer has to teach us is stamina. They have the tools but they also have the pace. You can’t travel long distances if you blast all your energy straight out of the gate. Reindeer show us to pace ourselves and to realize it is the sure way of reaching our destination.

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I had a lot of fun learning about reindeer. I discovered many new things about them that I didn’t know before. I also enjoyed creating this piece. It really got me into the festive spirit. How about you? What does the reindeer mean for you? Share your story in the comments below! Thanks for stopping by this week! Check back soon for my next totem, the polar bear!

I finally finished the ink for my reindeer totem. It felt like it took forever. I could have kept going too but I stopped myself. Sometimes I get too carried away with the ink that the color turns out funky. Either that or the color takes away from the ink. Neither are good.

I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go with this piece, though I never do. I did know I wanted it “decorated” to incorporate Santa’s sleigh. I started out with a fancy harness in mind and just went from there. This is the result.

I rushed the body. Their hair is so fine and smooth; I wasn’t sure how I wanted to incorporate it. I attempted a braid-like pattern which I feel I could have down a lot better on. I spent so much time getting the face the way I wanted, though, that I didn’t want to take another day or two to finish the body. So I will have to practice this more in my spare time.

I hope you enjoy the piece so far. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Thanks for stopping by. Check back soon, my next post will showcase the completed totem piece and the symbolism behind the reindeer.